Tana Umaga stands down as Blues coach

Former All Black Tana Umaga is stepping down as head coach
of the Blues.

He is to be replaced by Leon MacDonald for a
three-year stint. Umaga will stay on and take up a two-year
contract as defensive coach.

Umaga's contract was extended
in May to 2019, but the changes have been put in place after
an end-of-season review with the Blues and NZ Rugby
Boards.

Umaga said his passion lies with being the defence
coach.

"I believe that is where I can make the greatest
contribution and difference at the Blues," he said in a
statement.

"I support the decision to appoint Leon and I
believe that the coaching team of Leon, Tom and myself is
the best that we could have at the Blues for the 2019 season
and beyond."

He also spoke of the challenge of being a
Super Rugby coach.

"It's been a challenging three years
for me working for the first time as a Super Rugby head
coach. I have learned a lot and I know I still have a lot
more to offer.

"I will be 100 percent behind helping to
implement some of the strategies that we have identified
that are still works-in-progress.

MacDonald who played 56
tests for the All Blacks, was involved as a coach at the
Tasman Makos after he retired in 2010, then became assistant
coach at the Crusaders in 2017.

He coached the Mako in
2017 and 2018.

Umaga's coaching stint has seen the Blues
languish in lowly positions in Super Rugby. In four years,
the team has finished in position 14, 11, 9 and
14.

MacDonald said: "I will give it my heart and
soul."

He said Umaga and forwards coach Tom Coventry had
spoken to him of their commitment to move the club
forward.

Blues Chief Executive Michael Redman said the
change was a progressive decision by everyone
involved.

"This is arguably the most challenging of the
Super Rugby teams and currently the most challenging
environment, at least in New Zealand.

"Tana has a
tremendous amount to contribute on the grass and he has
learned a lot about this team. He can still apply this
experience in his new role which will greatly assist Leon as
new Head Coach.

"We are aware that this timing is not
ideal but that was for good reason. That said, I want to
publicly acknowledge everyone's willingness to embrace
change, and for their commitment to our club.

"We are
excited about the leadership and vision that Leon will bring
with the strong support from Tana, Tom and Dan."

New
Zealand Rugby's Chief Rugby Officer Nigel Cass said: It's a
credit to Tana, that he has put the team before himself,
including ensuring there is continuity into the new
season."

Umaga said: "I've learned a lot about the unique
situation of the Blues and I will support and share those
experiences with Leon, Tom and Daniel to best help bring
success back to this club. At the same time my primary focus
is on the really vital role as Defence
Coach."

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